England were 15 minutes from one of the most abject humiliations in their World Cup history until Harry Kane's late heroics helped them overcome DR Congo to reach the last 16. Now they face Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with head coach Thomas Tuchel under pressure to solve a string of problems.
England's World Cup dream lives on after Kane scored twice to rescue a 2-1 win over DR Congo in Atlanta. That result set up a last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico, a nation alive with passion and football fever. Tuchel, who may not have survived a defeat that would have ranked alongside the loss to Iceland at Euro 2016 and the defeat by the United States at the 1950 World Cup, now has to address obvious flaws in selection and performance.
“England face Mexico in the World Cup last 16 at the Azteca, with Tuchel solving selection and injury issues.”
The match carries extra historical weight. Mexico's Azteca Stadium was the scene of Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, 40 years ago. Tuchel, who watched that game as a teenager in Germany, has vowed to avenge that heartache. But his immediate concern is ensuring his team avoids a repeat of the disjointed displays that have characterised their campaign.
Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England's standout performers, contributing goals and world-class inspiration. Both scored in Group L wins against Croatia and Panama, and were the leading lights against DR Congo. But as good as they are, there will come a day when they do not bail under-performing team-mates out. Anthony Gordon had an outstanding impact off the bench against DR Congo, but Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke had frustrating days, while Tuchel is wary of over-exerting Bukayo Saka as he manages an Achilles problem.
Tuchel's selection issues are compounded by a worrying injury to midfield anchor Declan Rice. Rice, who has struggled with a hamstring issue since Christmas, begged to be substituted against DR Congo because he was in so much pain. Tuchel revealed Rice said: "I can do it for the team but I am in terrible pain." The Arsenal midfielder was replaced by John Stones in injury time, but Tuchel insists there is no injury, describing it as "more of a nerve pain". Rice is expected to be fit for the Mexico clash, but his fitness remains a concern.
The right-back position has become a poisoned chalice, with injuries and loss of form forcing Tuchel to shuffle. The sight of Rice ending the win against DR Congo at right-back hinted at confusion. Meanwhile, the midfield double pivot of Rice and Elliot Anderson has run aground against low blocks, and England have been stiff and predictable in attack. Some pundits argue Tuchel must throw caution to the wind and introduce Eberechi Eze, the last flair player standing, to unlock defences.
For UK readers, the match is a must-watch, with pubs allowed to open for the 1am kick-off (BST). The game will be played at altitude in Mexico City, a factor that could affect England's performance. Mexico rarely lose at the Azteca, and the co-hosts will be buoyed by a passionate home crowd.
Q: When is England vs Mexico in the World Cup last 16? The match is scheduled to be played in Mexico City at the Azteca Stadium. Exact date and time have not been confirmed in the sources, but it is a last-16 fixture following England's win over DR Congo.
Q: Is Declan Rice fit to play against Mexico? Declan Rice struggled with a hamstring issue and asked to be substituted due to pain against DR Congo. Manager Thomas Tuchel says Rice is not injured but was in "terrible pain" and hopes he will recover in time for the Mexico clash.
Q: What is the significance of the Azteca Stadium for England? The Azteca Stadium is where Diego Maradona scored the controversial 'Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, 40 years ago. England head coach Thomas Tuchel has spoken about avenging that heartache.
What happens next: England face Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium. Tuchel must decide on his starting XI, particularly whether to risk Declan Rice and how to resolve the right-back issue. A defeat would rank among England's worst World Cup embarrassments, while victory would set up a quarter-final in Miami.